Putting Our Experience and Reputation to Work For You

Putting Our Experience and Reputation to Work For You

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William J. Keniry

William J. Keniry

PARTNER

SUPPORT STAFF
Kara K. Flanagan, Legal Assistant

Practice Areas

BIO

Bill is widely known and recognized for his instincts and unique insight in how to effectively and efficiently solve client problems. He is known as the lawyer at the negotiation table who will go the distance. Whether in an arbitration proceeding or a lawsuit, he consistently delivers excellent results. In recognition of his skill and commitment to excellence, he has been retained by some of the world’s largest, and most successful, publicly traded corporations in commercial litigation cases, as well as by lawyers as clients. He conscientiously also represented some of the poorest and most economically disadvantaged members of society. All of his clients are important.

Bill has tried a variety of cases to conclusion, both by jury verdict and bench decision. He has successfully litigated cases concerning a multitude of subject areas including complex medical negligence cases and wrongful death, stock valuation proceedings, shareholder, business litigation including business and partner disputes, trust and estate litigation cases including will and trust contests, patent and trademark work as well as cases concerning protected apple varieties, music, designs and logos and complex product liability cases involving products such as commercial pumps, automobiles and wire rope, among others.

He is a lawyer’s lawyer. He represents many attorneys and other licensed professionals. He represents the interests of many attorneys’ clients on discrete matters, often of a highly sensitive, private and important magnitude. Over the years, Bill has gained a reputation as being firm, but fair, in his approach toward solving legal problems.

He is recognized as a leader in the practice area of trust and estate litigation. He has successfully handled many cases in court involving both prosecution and defense of objections to wills and trusts. He has also successfully defended many fiduciaries in connection with fulfillment of duties, accountings, fees and commissions. He has successfully represented one of the region’s leading hospitals in connection with its charitable relationships and complicated litigation arising out of State regulation of health care. He has been appointed by courts in numerous instances to represent the interests of parties including beneficiaries, minors and persons with disabilities. He is a frequent presenter, speaker and educator concerning this practice area.

In his business litigation practice, issues litigated often relate to valuation of shares of stock in corporations, partnerships, interests in closely held family businesses, and division and valuation of complex equipment and large amounts of land.

He has a significant amount of experience in business matters, contractual interference, breaches of fiduciary duty, and employment related subjects including employee dishonesty, harassment, terminations, discrimination and matters involving covenants not to compete and confidentiality/non-disclosure prohibitions.

Bill has also faithfully served a wide group of established municipal clients for many years. He frequently advises municipal boards in connection with governance, zoning and planning matters. A firm but fair advocate, he has the skills and experience to conduct public meetings and defend board determinations in court.

Bill is also retained in connection with highly sensitive and confidential investigations. He has been retained to conduct and coordinate investigations on behalf of companies, corporations and municipal entities. He has successfully represented individuals in varied roles, from subject to witness in the context of civil, administrative and criminal charges and investigations, including professional licensure matters, Inspector General investigations, Attorney General investigations, and professional standards inquiries.

EDUCATION

  • Western New England University School of Law, Springfield, Massachusetts, 1989, J.D.
  • Albany Law School Union University, Albany, New York
  • Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1986 B.A.

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 2006
  • U.S. District Court Western District of New York, 2001
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of New York, 1990
  • New York, January 1990
  • Massachusetts, December 1989

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENT

  • Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department Committee on Professional Standards
    Chairman, 2011 – 2012
    Vice Chairman, 2010 –2011
    Executive Committee Member, 2007 –2010
    Member, 2007 – 2013
  • Members of the Committee on Professional Standards are appointed by the Justices of the Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are named by the Justices of the Court after considering the recommendations of the Committee.
  • Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department Committee on Character and Fitness
    Member, March 11, 2013 – Present
  • Members of the Committee on Character and Fitness are appointed by the Justices of the Supreme Court, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department. The Committee investigates the character and fitness of applicants for admission to the practice of law in the State of New York.
  • The New York Bar Foundation
    Fellow, 2005 – present
  • Membership as Fellow is recognition of professional distinction at the Bar of New York State and constitutes a professional honor. Election as a member of the Fellows of the New York Bar Foundation acknowledge outstanding professional achievement, dedication to the profession and commitment to the bar.
  • The New York Bar Foundation
    Director, 2013 – 2015
  • The affairs of the Foundation are managed by a Board of twenty-five Directors who are elected by the members.
  • New York State Bar Association, Trial Section
    Chairman, 2011 – 2012
    Vice Chairman, 2010 – 2011
    Secretary, 2009 – 2010
    Treasurer, 2008 – 2009
    Executive Committee, 2001 – Present
  • Representative Municipal Client
    Special Counsel, Town of Charlton, 2001-Present
  • Special Counsel, Town of Amsterdam
  • Special Counsel, Town of Milton Ethics Board
  • Special Counsel, Town of Milton
  • Special Counsel, Town of Ballston
  • New York State Bar Foundation Director
  • New York State Bar Foundation Fellow
  • New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • New York State Trial Lawyers Association
  • Albany County Bar Association
  • Saratoga County Bar Association
  • Massachusetts Bar Association

AWARDS

  • Upstate New York Super Lawyer – Personal Injury General: Plaintiff

PAST EMPLOYMENT POSITIONS

  • Partner, 1996 – present
  • Associate, 1990 – 1996